Spectators watch the first half of an NFL football game between the Washington Redskins and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The half-century home sellout streak is over for the Washington Redskins. The announced attendance of 57,013 for Washington’s 21-9 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday was about 25,000 short of the 82,000 capacity listed in the team's 2018 media guide. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)(Photo: The Associated Press)

"About Sunday’s crowd: The number of fans Washington said it drew was 57,013," Svrluga wrote. "We say 'said' here because the team also 'said' it had a streak of 50 years in which it sold out every game, a streak that 'ended' Sunday. You’re welcome to believe that. You’re also welcome to believe the 2018 Washington Redskins will finish the season 15-1 and that Alex Smith will have to decline his Pro Bowl invitation because he will be preparing for the Super Bowl. Go ahead. Knock yourself out. Just make sure you’re not prepaying for that hotel reservation in early February in Atlanta."

Svrluga points out that the steady decline of fan devotion has been ongoing for a long time and highlights numerous reasons why.

It doesn't necessarily mean Sunday's noon kickoff against the Packers will lack for attendance. One of the best-traveling fan bases in football will surely help sales.

As of Wednesday, sets of two tickets were available for as cheaply as $95 apiece, with many options south of $125 on SeatGeek and StubHub.

By comparison, few tickets to the Bills-Packers battle at Lambeau Field one week later can be found for less than $150 apiece on secondary sites. Most are greater than $200.